Foot Fractures

Fractures of the foot can occur in many different ways but generally after a severe impact injury or gradually over time due to overuse or repetitive activity, over training or a training programme that has increased without giving enough time for build-up. Simply changing a training surface can result in injury e.g running on a track to running on a treadmill. The most common type of fracture is the stress fracture which is most common in runners or athletes who participate in sports that require a lot of running such as football, rugby and basketball.
Stress fractures are most common within the second and third metatarsals in the foot which are thinner and longer than the first metatarsal and is the area of the foot which suffers the greatest
An X-ray or bone scan will usually confirm a stress fracture.

To treat a stress fracture it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible as ignoring the pain could make the injury worse and result in a complete break. Until you can see a doctor you can follow the RICE protocol. Rest the injured foot and avoid activities that involve putting weight on the foot. Apply ice immediately to keep the swelling down. Compress by lightly wrapping in a soft bandage to prevent additional swelling. Elevate the foot and rest it higher than your heart as often as possible.
The aim of the treatment is to relieve the pain and to allow the fracture to heal so normal activities can be resumed. The given treatment will depend on the location and severity of the stress fracture although most stress fractures require nonsurgical treatment. Crutches may be given and used to keep weight off the foot until the pain has reduced.
Massages to the hind foot and the lower leg can help to assist recovery but can also help to keep these parts mobile and reducing stiffness which will enable a smoother restart to training. Magnetic field therapy, which uses static magnets to alleviate pain will greatly speed up the healing